The Importance of a Routine

      In the Lower Elementary learning environment we post a daily schedule and review it with the students during our morning meeting.  Most students check the schedule everyday right after they arrive.  In fact we often have a group centered around the posted schedule discussing what is posted. For the most part, the schedule each week remains the same.  Children are able to easily predict what will happen in their day at school.  They can plan their morning and afternoon work based on the daily schedule.  They look forward to certain weekly events.  Knowing the schedule gives them a sense of control.  A consistent routine at home will reinforce the child's sense of control.  Consistent bedtimes, arrivals and departures from school set the child up for success at school. Doing homework each week is another way to set your child up for success.  Homework can be done on a consistent weekly schedule that allows your child to get the most out of the homework experience.  Please reach out to us if you have questions or need input on scheduling your child's work week.

    This week the students looked closely at the nervous system.  They labeled a diagram of the nervous system and studied the types of nerves.  We also began our addition work with fractions with different denominators.  Maria Montessori's fraction circle box helps the students use their "finger brains" to select a common denominator.  We also continued our work with suffixes, interjections, and prepositions. We also are continuing our focus on the operation of subtraction by supplying the missing minuend in a subtraction problem. Our study of South America was kicked off this week by having each student create their own map of the continent. In geometry we extended our study of angles by looking at angles created by two lines and a transversal.  As you can see, it was a very busy week.  We are all looking forward to exchanging Valentine's on Monday.  Remember to have your child label 38 Valentines with his/her name only.  Have a wonderfully peaceful weekend.